According to the Mic On Podcast, legendary Afrobeats pioneer 2Baba (formerly 2Face Idibia) has weighed in on the “Big Three” debate, officially placing Burna Boy at the top of the hierarchy. During a candid interview, the “African Queen” singer stated that while he respects the work of Davido and Wizkid, Burna Boy is currently operating on a “different musical level” globally.
2Baba noted that Burna Boy’s artistic evolution and consistent delivery of high-concept performances have set him apart in the international scene. He described the “African Giant” as the lead runner in the genre’s current marathon, emphasizing that his assessment is based on musicality and global impact rather than personal rivalry.
The comments have reignited the perennial “Stan Wars” on social media, with fans of Wizkid and Davido pointing to their respective idols’ records. However, 2Baba clarified that his perspective is subjective and likened comparing the three artists to comparing different master painters, each with a unique and valuable style.
Despite the internal rankings, 2Baba expressed immense pride in how far the genre has come, noting that the collective success of the “Big Three” has paved the way for the next generation of artists to dominate global charts without compromising their African roots.
The Nation (Entertainment): “Burna Boy is at the top of this chain… not just in Nigeria, in Africa, in the world.”
Voice of Nigeria: “Burna Boy, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, is scheduled to open the Afro Nation 2026 festival as a premier global lead.”
Echotitbits take: When a veteran like 2Baba speaks, the industry listens. While Wizkid and Davido have massive legacy status, Burna Boy’s recent streak of stadium sell-outs and critical acclaim makes 2Baba’s take hard to argue from a purely technical standpoint. This “endorsement” solidifies Burna’s position as the face of the genre heading into the 2026 festival season.
Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/burna-boy-ahead-of-wizkid-davido-locally-globally-2baba/#google_vignette February 27, 2026
Photo Credit: Vanguard
